Alcohols in Skincare

When we look at the word Alcohol in skincare, it becomes a No for us by default. But did you know that there are both good and bad alcohols in skincare?

The Bad Alcohols include Ethanol, Alcohol, Alcohol Denat./ Denature Alcohol, Methanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Alcohol, SD Alcohol.

We should steer clear of these ingredients since they can:

Dehydrate the skin. They can pull the water out of the skin and leave a tight feeling.

Stimulate excess oil production

Can increase the skin Sensitivity

Cause breakouts

Weaken your skin barrier

But, not all alcohol that is used in skincare is actually bad for your skin.

The Good Alcohols are the Fatty Alcohols which include Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Lauryl Alcohol, Glycol, C12-16, Myristyl Alcohol, Caprylic Alcohol.

Butylene Glycol and Propanediol are not fatty alcohols but they draw water to the skin and help in hydration.

They are derived from natural plant sources. They are absolutely non irritating and they deliver benefits to the skin such as:

Providing moisture and do not dry out the skin

Improving retention of moisture as it helps to prevent moisture loss from the skin.

Strengthening the skin barrier

Forming a protective barrier on your skin and prevent Transepidermal water loss (TEWL)

Act as emulsifiers and prevent the product components to separate out

I hope this helps to choose your products better and not just blindly avoid products that have alcohol listed in it.